Sears Credit Card - original account holder died, problems continue with Sears and payments

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on November 19, 2002:

From:

RE: Sears Credit Card - original account holder died, problems continue with Sears and payments

Good Evening: My name is Nancy Ballash. I am trying to get an account straightened out which was opened in my fathers name years ago. He died in 1979 and my mother continued to use this account and pay on it every month. About a year ago my mother had a stroke which left in an almost vegetative state. She is 97 years old. Consequently, payments were not made as we were unaware of this account. About two months ago, I started getting phone calls from a collection agency demanding payment. When I questioned them about what was bought and when and how much she owed, they refused to tell me anything. Also, when they call, it shows on my caller ID as Unknown Name, Unknown Number. They kept asking for my fathers SS number.

Knowing that there are a lot of scam artists out there, I would not supply them with any information. I told them I would be happy to work with them if they could supply me any information on this account. They said they would, after they receive a check from ME. First of all, I don't owe this money, and I still don't know if my mother owes it. When the calls first started, they said she owed ABOUT $7,000 and today it went to $12,000. Boy, would I like to get that interests. Even the mob doesn't get that. I was checking through some of my mothers papers today and found a statement which she made a payment and her balance was $437.00. I don't know what is going on and I called Sears today to find out what she owes, but they won't tell me anything either. You can't expect someone to just send a check to someone on the phone. The only thing they told me was that Sears charged off this account and they are trying to collect the money. NOTHING ELSE. And if they are on the up and up, why are they asking me for SS numbers. Shouldn't they have all that information. Also, I haven't heard such foul language since I was a teenager which was 50 years go. And they won't give you a name. It's either Tom, Dick, Harry or Jennifer. I'm sorry if you feel you need people like this to handle your paperwork. They probably don't even have a high school education from the way they talk. All they want is a check. DUH. I just didn't fall off the turnip truck. I have a college degree and held down a good job in an attorneys office for years before I retired. I am giving you information on this account and would appreciate a straight answer from someone before I consult an attorney about harrassment charges. THIS IS NO WAY FOR A COMPANY LIKE SEARS TO DO BUSINESS. The account was in the name of Charles Glasmyer,

8607 Morton Avenue, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144. After my mother had her stroke, she is now living at 6103 Alber Avenue, Parma, Ohio 44129 with my daughter who is a nurse and cares for all her needs. I would appreciate some kind of answer and would prefer to deal directly with Sears instead of the idiots who are calling me. I still believe this is a scam and until I hear from you, I refuse to deal with anyone else. Thank you for taking the time and listening to me. Unfortunately I couldn't put in writing the language that was used on me over the phone as I would be barred from AOL, if you know what I mean. I was called every name you can think of. Please answer as soon as possible so I can get this whole terrible mess cleared up. Thanks again Nancy Ballash

Comment On This

Why would you post names and street addresses for your deceased Father (isn't that big a deal) and your Daughter (but your Daughter is, now she's in danger) in your complaint... online none the less? That was plain stupid on your part..you are a college grad. yet you do something this stupid sorry, but that puts you on the same level as the ones you are calling "idiots"

Comment On This

Don't let them bully you. A collection agency doesn't have any

legal authority to do anything other than request payment. They get a fee or percentage of what they collect. You don't owe the collection agency or sears anything. DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY TO ANYONE OR GIVE OUT ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION TO ANYONE. You absolutely right when you say they already have that information. I suggest that you ask someone you trust about this or call the Better Business Bureau or contact legal council for advise. Most attorneys will give you tips or charge a nominal fee for a 30 minute consultation.

Comment On This

How does the credit card account goes like. I will help you out.